No. 94 - TRACE ARMSTRONG

Published: Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 11:06 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 1, 2006 at 11:06 a.m.

Top 100 credentials: After transferring from Arizona State for his senior

season, Armstrong was a dominant performer in Florida's 3-4 defense.

He set a record at the time for most tackles for a loss by a defensive lineman

with 19 including seven sacks.

How he shined: With a national television audience watching the 4-0 Gators

take on 14th-ranked LSU, Armstrong led a Florida defense that ate up Tommy

Hodson, who hadn't been sacked all season.

Armstrong was named the ABC defensive player of the game.

Making his mark: He played only one year or Armstrong would be higher on

this list.

Not only did he stand out during his one season at Florida, Armstrong made Gainesville his offseason home during a 16-year NFL career with three teams and still lives here with his wife and three sons.

No. 94 - FLORIDA 30, AUBURN 23 (OT)Oct. 19, 2002.Where: Florida Field, Gainesville.
What happened: The Gators blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter and
appeared headed for defeat before defensive end Bobby McCray blocked the
potential game-winning field goal from 23 yards by Damon Duval with 30
seconds to play.
McCray's play sent the game into overtime, where the Gators pulled out the victory with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Rex Grossman to wide receiver Taylor Jacobs in the back of the end zone.
Following the TD, the Florida defense sealed the victory when tackle Ian
Scott recovered Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell's fourth-down fumble.
Who was the hero: There were many on this night, but it's hard to top
Grossman's performance.
Playing with a heavy brace on his injured knee, he threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
On the game-winning play to Jacobs, Grossman stood in the pocket under a heavy rush and released the pass just before he was smacked.
Why it mattered: After back-to-back losses to Ole Miss and LSU, the Gators
and beleaguered head coach Ron Zook desperately needed this victory.
A week earlier, UF had been drummed at home by LSU, 36-7.
A second consecutive home loss, after leading by 16 points heading into the fourth quarter, would have wrecked the Gators' season.

<p><b>Position:</b> Defensive tackle. </p><p><b>Years he played:</b> 1988. </p><p><b>Top 100 credentials:</b> After transferring from Arizona State for his senior</p><p>season, Armstrong was a dominant performer in Florida's 3-4 defense. </p><p>He set a record at the time for most tackles for a loss by a defensive lineman</p><p>with 19 including seven sacks.</p><p> </p><p><b>How he shined:</b> With a national television audience watching the 4-0 Gators</p><p>take on 14th-ranked LSU, Armstrong led a Florida defense that ate up Tommy</p><p>Hodson, who hadn't been sacked all season. </p><p>Armstrong was named the ABC defensive player of the game.</p><p> </p><p><b>Making his mark:</b> He played only one year or Armstrong would be higher on</p><p>this list. </p><p>Not only did he stand out during his one season at Florida, Armstrong made Gainesville his offseason home during a 16-year NFL career with three teams and still lives here with his wife and three sons.</p><b><font size="4">No. 94 - FLORIDA 30, AUBURN 23 (OT)<br>
<em>Oct. 19, 2002.</em></b></font>
<b>Where:</b> Florida Field, Gainesville.
<b>What happened:</b> The Gators blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter and
appeared headed for defeat before defensive end Bobby McCray blocked the
potential game-winning field goal from 23 yards by Damon Duval with 30
seconds to play.
McCray's play sent the game into overtime, where the Gators pulled out the victory with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Rex Grossman to wide receiver Taylor Jacobs in the back of the end zone.
Following the TD, the Florida defense sealed the victory when tackle Ian
Scott recovered Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell's fourth-down fumble.
<b>Who was the hero:</b> There were many on this night, but it's hard to top
Grossman's performance.
Playing with a heavy brace on his injured knee, he threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
On the game-winning play to Jacobs, Grossman stood in the pocket under a heavy rush and released the pass just before he was smacked.
<b>Why it mattered:</b> After back-to-back losses to Ole Miss and LSU, the Gators
and beleaguered head coach Ron Zook desperately needed this victory.
A week earlier, UF had been drummed at home by LSU, 36-7.
A second consecutive home loss, after leading by 16 points heading into the fourth quarter, would have wrecked the Gators' season.